Thai

At 10Best, we're always on the lookout for Edmonton's best restaurants, and while we appreciate places that have a broad culinary range, we can't help but adore restaurants that specialize in a given cuisine. When we're in the mood for Thai food in Edmonton, we head to Boualong Laos and Thai Cuisine - a reader favorite - or we count on Ban Thai Restaurant's solid track record and consistently great dishes. You'll find these places - and any of the restaurants on our list - to be fantastic options for Thai cuisine, and if you're looking to concentrate your efforts, start with the vibrant Downtown area.

King and I opened in 1973 and has the distinction of being a favorite of the Rolling Stones and various other celebrities, as well as being a perennial winner among the local "Best of..." polls. To an expert, this may not be the most authentic Thai food in town. But don't be too much of a food snob or you'll miss out on a great meal. All the usual suspects are on the menu: pad Thai, satay, tom kha gai, panang ghai, and assorted other flavorful dishes. Spiciness is a bit less than you'd find at some other places, but if you're new to Thai that may even be a selling point for you. Service is professional and friendly, and the décor is appealingly Eastern.

King and I opened in 1973 and has the distinction of being a favorite of the Rolling Stones and various other celebrities, as well as being a perennial winner among the local "Best of..." polls. To an expert, this may not be the most authentic... Read More

The diminutive size of this popular restaurant is no indication of the flavors you'll encounter. The bold cuisines of Laos and Thailand – spicy curries, piquant rice and noodle dishes – are the staple here, with traditional tastes of Thai basil, coconut milk, tamarind, kaffir lime and hot chilis. The ever-present owners are super friendly and helpful, and the take-out trade keeps the atmosphere lively all day. A favorite with local foodies!

The diminutive size of this popular restaurant is no indication of the flavors you'll encounter. The bold cuisines of Laos and Thailand – spicy curries, piquant rice and noodle dishes – are the staple here, with traditional tastes of Thai... Read More

Opened in 1991, Ban Thai excels in authenticity, from the décor to the food. The furniture and accessories that liven up the space and create such a wonderful ambience are the real deal: virtually everything was purchased on one of the owner's trips back home to Thailand. The chef recreates traditional dishes that are every bit as genuine as anything you'd eat in Thailand. Follow a tropical cocktail (perhaps the Loam Pad Koh with pineapple juice and coconut rum) with chicken satay, Som Tham salad, or chili-spiced fish cakes. The Pad Thai is widely acknowledged to be the best in Edmonton, and there are a variety of mild and spicy curries with different meats like chicken, beef, pork, squid and shrimp; much of the menu can also be prepared vegetarian style.

Opened in 1991, Ban Thai excels in authenticity, from the décor to the food. The furniture and accessories that liven up the space and create such a wonderful ambience are the real deal: virtually everything was purchased on one of the owner's... Read More

This little eatery is way off the beaten path, but well worth finding. The menu stretches to some 80 items, and once you figure out where it is, you may want to come back repeatedly just to sample everything, from panang chicken curry to drunken shrimp. Curry, citrus, basil, and the heat of chiles are the hallmark flavors of Thai cuisine, and Bua Thai uses them quite well. Combinations of spices, herbs and coconut milk pair beautifully with noodles, vibrant fresh vegetables and tender pieces of meat – you will leave feeling more than satisfied!

This little eatery is way off the beaten path, but well worth finding. The menu stretches to some 80 items, and once you figure out where it is, you may want to come back repeatedly just to sample everything, from panang chicken curry to drunken... Read More

Although short on ambience, Numchok Wilai delivers when it comes to fantastic Thai food. The cooking is authentic and flavorful, with plenty of lemongrass, coconut milk, chilis, garlic, ginger, peanuts and fish sauce. You'll find the usual rice and noodle dishes, curries and soups, each fragrant and satisfying. If you're wary of spicy foods, rest assured that there are several options here that are every bit as wonderful but won't set your tongue on fire.

Although short on ambience, Numchok Wilai delivers when it comes to fantastic Thai food. The cooking is authentic and flavorful, with plenty of lemongrass, coconut milk, chilis, garlic, ginger, peanuts and fish sauce. You'll find the usual rice... Read More

Edmonton has a plethora of good, casual, inexpensive Asian eateries, but Doan's is among the best. The hallmarks of Vietnamese cuisine – abundant fresh vegetables, tender noodles and meats, and bright seasonings – are all in evidence here. Start with spring rolls or crispy wontons. Main dishes arrive steaming hot in big portions – try rice vermicelli noodles stir fried with barbecued pork, shrimp and greens, or lemongrass scented chicken. Exotic tropical milkshakes are a wonderful cooling treat for dessert.

Edmonton has a plethora of good, casual, inexpensive Asian eateries, but Doan's is among the best. The hallmarks of Vietnamese cuisine – abundant fresh vegetables, tender noodles and meats, and bright seasonings – are all in evidence here.... Read More